Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the WNBA daily as we try to heal from this pandemic.
The Sparks edge out the Mercury on the only WNBA game on Wednesday.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
Erica Wheeler‘s determination continues to inspire.
The undrafted 5’7″ guard from Rutgers led the way for the shorthanded L.A. Sparks as they gave the Phoenix Mercury their fourth straight loss (who is missing Diana Taurasi).
Wheeler had a double-double (18 points, 10 assists) and hit some big shots to keep the Mercury at bay. The Sparks had a balanced attack as they had five women score in double figures.
Brittney Griner was dominant as she went for 30 points and 10 boards. Skylar Diggins-Smith went for 15-6-10 while Sophie Cunningman scored 16 in her first start this season.
The Sparks did lead by 14 at one point but the Merc caught them in the third. Still, L.A. didn’t panic. It was a one-possession game with Phoenix getting the ball back but Wheeler killed their chances by making a big jumper over Griner. That pretty much was the clincher as the Sparks go to .500.
Sparks are now 5-5. The Mercury fall to 5-7 and are on a four-game skid.
WNBA Scoreboard
June 16, 2021
Watch This Play
Here’s Wheeler’s clutch shot.
🚨 ERICA WHEELER. LATE GAME. BIG TIME BUCKET OVER BG.#CountIt pic.twitter.com/4YgF4QjY3B
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 17, 2021
Wheeler tied a career-high with 10 assists in case you wanted to know if she’s more than a scorer.
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the WNBA as well.
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R.I.P. Nala.